Merdeka Award

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Merdeka Award

Malaysia's premier award for excellence founded by PETRONAS and Shell One Award is made for each of the five categories above.

The Merdeka Award was founded on August 27, 2007, in conjunction with the celebration of Malaysia’s 50th anniversary of its independence, to recognise and reward Malaysians and non-Malaysians who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to the nation and the people of Malaysia in their respective fields. The Merdeka Award aims to promote thought leadership and innovation, foster a culture of excellence and encourage a worldview, thereby enhancing Malaysia’s standing as a dynamic, competitive 21st century global player in all key sectors from science and technology to the arts. The Award is so named to capture and commemorate the “Spirit of Merdeka” as demonstrated by the nation’s forefathers, which is about foresight, discipline, perseverance and self-sacrifice. It is where the true meaning of independence lies in the liberation of the mind and spirit – factors that foster the realisation of human potential and the pursuit of excellence. Each year, the annual Merdeka Award is conferred on individuals and/or organizations whose excellent work and achievements have made an outstanding impact on the nation and its people in the following categories, namely Education & Community; Environment; Health, Science and Technology; Outstanding Scholastic Achievement; and Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia. The Award categories reflect focus areas that are regarded as instrumental to the overall growth and development of a nation. In the event that in a given year, two individuals and/or organizations are deemed to be equally deserving of recognition, the Award will be shared. The Merdeka Award Recipient receives the Merdeka Award Trophy, the Merdeka Award Work of Art, a Certificate of Recognition and a cash award. The founding members -- PETRONAS and Shell -- also hope that in commemorating this pioneering spirit, the Award will help strengthen the intellectual foundation and elements of civil society that will drive a nation’s economic and social progress. In addition to the presentation of awards, the Merdeka Award Trust also runs two signature programmes -- the Merdeka Award Roundtables, a series of TV talk shows designed to inspire debate and discussion on issues of interest to Malaysians, and the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment, a short-term grant for young Malaysians looking to build on their body of work and experience in areas of long-term benefit to the country. More information on the Merdeka Award at www.merdekaaward.my

21/11/2025

The 2025 Merdeka Award Borneo Talk Series is back and we’re heading to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on 3 December 2025!

This year’s theme, “Inspired by Ancestors, Driven by Dreams: You Are the Next Story,” explores how heritage shapes opportunity, growth, and progress.

Joining us on the panel are:
Ekin Kee Charless – Film Director & Writer
Nancy Jullok – Fashion Designer & Founder, P’LO Borneo Fashion Design
Yee I-Lann – Contemporary Artist; Board Member, FINAS & Forever Sabah
Kenji Chai – Graffiti Artist & Illustrator

The session will be moderated by the ever-inspiring Freda Liu, Broadcast Journalist and Host of The Shift Asia.

We’re giving away 10 complimentary seats on a first-come, first-served basis! Successful registrants will be notified by 28 November 2025.

Click the link below to register.
https://forms.office.com/r/2XSqqQQBdh

Note: Travel to and from the event will be at your own cost.

20/11/2025

The 2025 Merdeka Award Talk Series returned with a landmark moment — our first-ever Borneo Talk Series, held in Sarawak on 18 November 2025.
With the theme “Inspired by Ancestors, Driven by Dreams: You Are The Next Story,” the session explored how heritage, identity and tradition spark opportunity, creativity, and national progress.

Our distinguished panel shared powerful and personal reflections on the values that shape our collective future:
• Courage to challenge norms
• Sacrifice in preserving culture
• Understanding as a bridge between communities
• Innovation driven by roots and tradition

We were honoured to feature:
- Datin Rosemarie Wong, President of Sarawak Heritage Society & Project Director of The Ranee
- Alena Murang, Indigenous Musician & Songwriter
- Marcos Kueh, Malaysian Textile Artist

The conversation was expertly moderated by Freda Liu, Broadcast Journalist and host of The Shift Asia, who brought depth and energy to the dialogue.

This marks only the beginning — one more Borneo Talk Series session is coming soon as we continue our mission to champion excellence, celebrate culture, and inspire the next generation of nation-builders.

14/11/2025

Did you know that rice husks — the leftover shells from our daily meals — can be turned into a high-tech material that keeps buildings cool? 🌾

It’s called Maerogel — an ultra-light, sponge-like substance made from rice waste. It traps heat, absorbs moisture, and acts as an eco-friendly insulator.

That means cooler homes, lower electricity bills, and less carbon released into the air.

From something we used to throw away, comes a smart solution helping Malaysia move toward a cleaner, greener future. 🌱

Read more about how our 2018 Merdeka Award recipient, Professor Dr. Halimaton Hamdan has turned rice husk into homes and more at: https://www.merdekaaward.my/past-recipients/for-the-awards/2009/professor-datuk-dr-halimaton-hamdan

Know someone who’s changing lives and building the nation?
Nominate them today for the Merdeka Award at www.merdekaaward.my

10/11/2025

In 1998, a strange illness began affecting pig farmers. It looked like Japanese Encephalitis — but it wasn’t. When the usual treatments failed, a team of Malaysian scientists began investigating, tracing the illness from humans to pigs, and finally to fruit bats.

Their discovery changed global health forever. They found a new virus — later named the Nipah virus — and uncovered how it could transmit from animals to humans. Their findings guided containment efforts that stopped the outbreak and saved lives.

But their impact didn’t stop there. Today, that same research helps countries around the world prepare for and prevent new epidemics — shaping how scientists track, predict, and respond to emerging diseases.

From a small Malaysian lab came knowledge that still protects the world — a reminder that every discovery can ripple far beyond our borders. 🌍

Read more about our 2008 Merdeka Award Laureate and how their work has changed global disease control research: https://www.merdekaaward.my/past-recipients/for-the-awards/2008/nipah-virus-encephalitis-investigation-team-from-the-faculty-of-medicine-university-of-malaya

Know someone who’s changing lives and building the nation?
Nominate them today for the Merdeka Award at www.merdekaaward.my

07/11/2025

Kami dari Lembaga Pemegang Amanah Anugerah Merdeka merafak sembah ucapan setinggi-tinggi tahniah kepada Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah sempena Ulang Tahun Keputeraan Baginda pada tahun 2025.

Daulat Tuanku.

31/10/2025

Kami dari Merdeka Award Trust mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi tahniah kepada Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr Siti Zuraina Abdul Majid, Penerima Anugerah Merdeka 2022 di atas pengiktirafan beliau sebagai Tokoh Akademik Negara 2025 pada Majlis Anugerah Akademik Negara (AAN) ke-16.

Sebagai tokoh arkeologi terkemuka negara, sumbangan beliau—termasuk penemuan rangka Perak Man serta penyelidikan di Lembah Lenggong yang kemudiannya diiktiraf sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia oleh Pertubuhan Pendidikan, Saintifik dan Kebudayaan Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UNESCO) pada 2012—telah merevolusikan pemahaman rakyat Malaysia tentang prasejarah dan warisan budaya Malaysia.

Pengiktirafan ini mencerminkan usaha dan komitmen beliau dalam memperkasa penyelidikan, pendidikan tinggi serta pemuliharaan warisan negara.

30/10/2025

The Anugerah Khas Merdeka nomination is OPEN!

We seek both Malaysians and Non-Malaysians whose work has led to the significant improvement of the lives or quality of life of Malaysians.

Help us celebrate these inspiring nation-builders and their enduring positive impact that’s worthy of our history books!

Recognise a worthy candidate today! Comment below, or submit your https://www.merdekaaward.my/nomination-form

30/10/2025

We're searching for exceptional individuals and organisations who have made outstanding efforts to advance environmental conservation, planetary health and sustainable development.

Give these individuals and organisations the recognition they deserve. Nominate your earth champions today by dropping their names in the comment below or submit your nominations here 🔗 https://www.merdekaaward.my/nomination-form

29/10/2025

We're searching for Malaysians who have contributed significant academic and scholastic works, whilst unlocking new knowledge in their field.

If you know of outstanding individuals whose research, publications, or scholarly projects have proven discoveries to solve people and planet challenges, and offer industry progress and commercial value - nominate them today!

Comment with their names below or submit your nominations here 🔗 https://www.merdekaaward.my/nomination-form

29/10/2025

We’re looking for artists, national heroes and inspirational individuals who have woven excellence onto the canvas of life. Have you met someone who embodies these criterias?

This award is a tribute to the meaningful contributions that inspire, shape culture, and colour the spirit of our people and nation.

Nominations are NOW OPEN! The time has come to ignite the torch of national pride!

Submit the names of those worthy of being etched in history.🔗 https://www.merdekaaward.my/nomination-form

28/10/2025

We’re searching for national icons in science, technology, and innovation.

Nomination for the Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology and Innovation is now open.

We are looking for organisations, researchers, engineers, scientists or innovators who have improved the quality of life of Malaysians, and elevated Malaysia to a global standing.

Help us celebrate and reward them for being an inspiration to all Malaysians. Share the name of your hero below, or submit your nominations here 🔗 https://www.merdekaaward.my/nomination-form

28/10/2025

2026 Merdeka Award nominations are now open!

If you know a remarkable individual or organisation whose dedication to improving community development through education has resulted in outstanding social impact, it’s time to shine a spotlight on them.

Help us celebrate and reward them for being an inspiration to all Malaysians. Comment with their names below or submit your nominations here 🔗 https://www.merdekaaward.my/nomination-form

Address

The Merdeka Award Secretariat, Level 71, PETRONAS Tower 2, Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
Kuala Lumpur
50888

Website

http://www.merdekaaward.my/, https://linktr.ee/merdekaaward

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